The Centre Mihawoso project in Manawan must be approved - Discrimination against children’s fundamental rights must be stopped

Oct 10, 2018

The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) gives its support to the Centre Mihawoso: Centre de pédiatrie sociale de Manawan. Led by all of the Manawan community with help from the Fondation du Dr Julien, this project is essential for the community’s children and families, as it will eliminate inequality in medical and social services access and therefore recognize children’s fundamental rights.

“The Government of Quebec’s negative response and the slow process to which the community of Manawan was subjected is discriminatory toward First Nations children and youth,” explained Mr. Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL, who also sent a letter of support to the chief of Manawan. “In 2018, it is inadmissible that our communities’ children are treated differently that other children in Quebec,” he says. “This dossier illustrates the necessity of respecting our children’s fundamental rights. This project deserves an immediate and affirmative answer so that Indigenous children, young people and families receive equitable and quality services in an environment that is respectful of their culture, aspirations and dreams,” Chief Picard concluded.